The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it will provide Brazil with appropriate equipment to help prevent any possible nuclear attacks during this year's Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The IAEA and Brasilia signed an agreement in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, based on which the UN atomic agency will loan Brazil radiation detection devices and other nuclear security equipment for the games scheduled to be held on August 5-21 and September 7-18.

The agreement was signed by Renato Machado Cotta, the head of Brazil's National Commission for Nuclear Energy, and IAEA Nuclear Security Director Khammar Mrabit.

The Vienna-based nuclear agency also expressed readiness in a statement to “provide and/or facilitate assistance in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency."

“The IAEA serves as the global platform for strengthening nuclear security and assists member states to prevent, detect and respond to theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer, or other malicious acts involving nuclear material or radioactive substances,” according to the statement.

The IAEA has been engaged in ensuring security in previous major sporting events, including the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in the Chinese capital Beijing, and the soccer World Cups in Germany (2006), South Africa (2010) and Brazil (2014).

Political experts have long warned of the risks of terrorist groups acquiring nuclear materials.